Sotrovimab
About Sotrovimab
Sotrovimab is a prescription monoclonal antibody (a laboratory-made protein that helps your immune system recognize and fight the virus) given as a single intravenous (IV) infusion to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and adolescents (12 years and older weighing at least 40 kg) who are at high risk of developing severe disease. Its effectiveness depends on the COVID-19 variant causing the infection, so it may not be recommended or available in all regions. Your doctor will determine whether this treatment is appropriate based on current local health authority recommendations.
Since Sotrovimab is administered as a one-time IV infusion by a healthcare professional, you do not need to worry about a daily dosing schedule. There are no specific food restrictions before receiving this infusion, but staying well-hydrated and getting adequate rest can support your recovery.
Most people tolerate this infusion well, but some may experience mild side effects like temporary diarrhea, nausea, or itching at the injection site. However, if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction during or after the infusion—such as difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, or a severe rash—it is critical to seek medical help immediately.
Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to Sotrovimab or any of its ingredients in the past. No dose adjustment is generally recommended for people with mild to moderate kidney or liver impairment based on available data, but your healthcare provider will assess whether this treatment is appropriate for your overall medical condition. Before receiving this treatment, tell your doctor if you have other serious medical conditions, are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Animal studies have not identified harmful effects on fetal development, but human data remain limited. Like other monoclonal antibodies, Sotrovimab can cross the placenta, particularly later in pregnancy, so your doctor will carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks before recommending treatment.
While this one-time infusion has few known interactions with daily medications, you should share a complete list of your current prescriptions and supplements with your healthcare team. It is also wise to avoid alcohol and smoking while recovering from a viral infection to help your immune system heal.
Uses of Sotrovimab
Medicinal Benefits
Sotrovimab helps reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 when given early in the course of infection. Its benefits include:
- Helps reduce the risk of progression to severe COVID-19 when given early in eligible high-risk patients.
- Lowers the likelihood of hospitalization or the need for emergency medical care.
- Helps support recovery by reducing the chance that COVID-19 will worsen.
- Provides an additional treatment option for selected high-risk patients when it remains effective against circulating virus variants and is recommended by local health authorities.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dose and timing of Sotrovimab for optimal results.
- Sotrovimab will be administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Sotrovimab
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upset stomach or mild diarrhea
- Mild nausea
- Redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site
- Dizziness or headache
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting during or shortly after the infusion.
- Fever, chills, or a rapid heart rate.
Drug Warnings
- Check the timing: Receive treatment as soon as possible after testing positive and ideally within 5 days of symptom onset, if recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Monitor for infusion reactions: Your healthcare team will observe you during the infusion and for at least 1 hour afterward. Report any fever, chills, rash, breathing difficulty, or swelling immediately.
- Variant effectiveness: The effectiveness of Sotrovimab depends on the circulating COVID-19 variants. Your doctor will determine whether it is currently recommended in your area.
- Inspect the vial (healthcare professionals): Ensure the solution is clear to slightly yellow and free of visible particles before administration.
- Report pregnancy status: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding before treatment.
- Vaccination: Ask your healthcare provider about the appropriate timing of COVID-19 vaccination after receiving Sotrovimab.
- Know when to seek emergency care: Seek immediate medical attention if you develop worsening shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, confusion, difficulty staying awake, bluish lips or face, or low oxygen levels after receiving Sotrovimab.
Drug Interactions
- COVID-19 vaccines: Because Sotrovimab provides ready-made antibodies, it may temporarily reduce your body's own immune response to a COVID-19 vaccine if the vaccine is given too soon after treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend waiting for a specific period before vaccination, based on the latest clinical guidance.
- Immunosuppressive medicines and biologic therapies (medicines made from living cells that affect how your immune system works, such as certain treatments for rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease): Although no clinically significant drug interactions are well established, tell your healthcare provider if you take corticosteroids, transplant medicines, or other immune-modifying treatments. Your doctor can decide whether any adjustments or additional monitoring are needed.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not recommended to consume alcohol with Sotrovimab. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Sotrovimab on pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Sotrovimab on nursing. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Sotrovimab affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Sotrovimab in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Sotrovimab in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Sotrovimab in children below 12years have not been established. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Prioritize hydration: Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions to help your body recover and stay hydrated after your infusion.
- Get plenty of rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the viral infection. Limit physical exertion and aim for ample sleep during your recovery period.
- Eat nutrient-dense foods: Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, to support your immune system.
- Isolate appropriately: Continue to follow public health guidelines for isolation to prevent spreading the virus to others, even after receiving the infusion.
Special Advise
In case of a fever or rash following Sotrovimab, do not use any antipyretic or anti-allergic medicines without consulting the doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Coronavirus Disease: Coronavirus disease is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can range from a mild cold, cough and fever to full-blown pneumonia. Coronavirus belongs to a group of RNA viruses and has crown-like projections on the surface of the pathogen. The virus transmits through droplets generated from an infectious person’s cough, sneeze or heavy breathing. The common symptoms of coronavirus disease are dry cough, tiredness, breathlessness, fever, loss of sense of taste and smell, diarrhoea, body pains, headache, and sore throat.
FAQs
Sotrovimab works by inducing an antibody response in the body by instilling monoclonal antibodies that mimic the natural defences of the body and block the spike protein of the virus from attaching to body cells, thus arresting the progression of the disease.
Only an RT-PCR test can determine whether or not you have COVID. While a loss of smell has been noted as a common symptom, the new variant does not cause a loss of smell.
Remdesivir is an antiviral that functions to kill the virus. On the other hand, Sotrovimab blocks the virus from attaching to the cells of the body. Thereby, prevents progression of the disease.
Vaccines stimulate the body to make its own antibodies against infection. On the other hand, monoclonal antibodies deliver lab-made antibodies against the virus. Most vaccines are used to prevent infection. Sotrovimab is used as a post-exposure treatment tool in mild to moderate forms of the corona disease.
Sotrovimab is used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness or hospital admission. Talk to your doctor to see if you qualify for this treatment.
Sotrovimab is given as a single intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein by a trained healthcare provider in a medical setting. It is not available as a pill or self-injection. Talk to your doctor for more details about the infusion process.
Human data on the use of Sotrovimab during pregnancy are limited. Animal studies have not shown evidence of harm to fetal development, but, like other monoclonal antibodies, Sotrovimab can cross the placenta. Your healthcare provider will carefully weigh the potential benefits of treatment against any possible risks to you and your baby before recommending it. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
Recommendations about the timing of COVID-19 vaccination after receiving Sotrovimab may change as clinical guidance evolves. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the appropriate timing based on current recommendations.
The most common side effects include mild diarrhea, nausea, and minor irritation at the injection site. These are usually temporary and resolve on their own. Talk to your doctor if you experience persistent discomfort.
Yes, receiving Sotrovimab does not immediately stop you from spreading the virus to others. You must continue to follow local isolation guidelines to protect those around you. Talk to your doctor for isolation instructions.
Clinical studies found Sotrovimab to be generally well tolerated in many older adults at high risk of severe COVID-19. However, whether it is suitable for you depends on your overall health, the circulating virus variants, and current treatment recommendations in your region.
